Michael W. Eaton

Michael W. Eaton

3.7
Rating: 1.1

Licensed for 41 years

Tax Lawyer at Southlake, TX
Practice Areas: Tax, Corporate & Incorporation, Real Estate, Business

109 River Oaks Drive, Suite 150, Southlake, TX

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2018
See Details

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Tax 30%

All phases of representation in connection with tax planning, structure, and tax controversy work relating to real estate development and related tax abatement and exemptions, as well as all phases of representation of tax exempt organizations, including qualification for federal and state tax exempt status.

42 years

30%
Real Estate 25%

All phases of representation in connection with identification, purchase, and sale of real property.

42 years

25%
Business 15%

All phases of business planning, including organizational formation and operation

42 years

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in Texas for 41 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1984

Eligible to Practice in Texas

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2018

Location

The Eaton Law Firm, PLLC

109 River Oaks Drive, Suite 150, Southlake, TX, 76092

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Michael W. Eaton's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.7 /5.0

12 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Punctuality

Posted by anonymous | July 31, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Family

EPIC Mistake

I hired Michael to defend a domestic dispute that resulted in my being evicted. He gladly accepted my money, gave me every reassurance this would be thrown out in court. One excuse after another - didn't show for hearing, moved offices & lost all client information. Unacceptable! I will pursue leg...al action to ensure justice.

Posted by anonymous | November 11, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Real Estate

DO NOT HIRE

After asking colleagues who they would recommend for help with a property assessment, I was referred to Michael. He had no problem taking the money he required, but then did absolutely zero work. He did not show up for the hearing with the appraisal district, gave me a excuse that he had the flu for ...3 months, and that when he moved offices files had been lost. After over 1.5 years of poor correspondence I requested a refund, which he politely ignored (I'm sure it got lost in his files somewhere...).

See All Client Reviews

Michael W. Eaton's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Unknown lawyer | Nov 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Deborah Goodall headshot
Deborah Goodall

Business lawyer | Jun 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Michael Eaton for more than 25 years. He is a superb attroney in many areas of practice. I have referred many clients to him through the years and all have been extremely happy with his representation. I will continue making those referrals because I know I can trust him to handle all his clients with the utmost care and professionalism."

Joel Bruce Bishop headshot
Joel Bishop

Unknown lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Michael is very knowledgeable and detail oriented. He is also excellent in court."

Thomas Wayne Welch headshot
Thomas Welch

Corporate and incorporation lawyer | Mar 26

Relationship: Friend

"I heartily endorse this lawyer. He is insightful, deliberate, and has had the broad range of experience necessary to address business problems in myriad areas. His intellect is unparalleled, and he is a valuable advocate."

Bill Meili headshot
Bill Meili

Business lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known and enjoyed regular contact with Michael for more than fifteen years. He is one of the brightest business, corporate and real estate/tax lawyers I've met in nearly 30 years of law practice. If I had to address any business matter containing significant legal issues and/or consequences, I would call Michael Eaton immediately for advice, counsel and representation. He possesses a brilliant legal mind, coupled with an uncanny amount of common sense and good judgment. I enthusiastically endorse Michael Eaton and recommend him to you and your colleagues without reservation. Sincerely, William C. (Bill) Meili"

J. Allen Smith headshot
J. Smith

Public finance and tax exempt finance lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mike is one of the most intelligent Lawyers I know. He is able to apply his knowledge in a very practicable fashion for his clients to find the best solution. I highly recommend Mike."

Stephen James Poppoon headshot
Stephen Poppoon

Tax lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is one of the premier bond, tax credit, and ad valorum tax attorneys in the State of Texas. His knowledge and work experience is unparalleled."

J. Edwin Martin headshot
J. Martin

Real estate lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

View All Endorsements
Anita Krosby Cutrer headshot
Anita Cutrer

Family lawyer

Deborah Cappozzo Ryan headshot
Deborah Ryan

Real estate lawyer

Joel Bruce Bishop headshot
Joel Bishop

Commercial real estate lawyer

David L. Willis headshot
David Willis

Family lawyer

G. Ward Beaudry headshot
G. Beaudry

Estate planning lawyer

Victoria Eileen Ingham headshot
Victoria Ingham

Criminal defense lawyer

Bill Meili headshot
Bill Meili

Military law lawyer

Stephen James Poppoon headshot
Stephen Poppoon

Real estate lawyer

J. Edwin Martin headshot
J. Martin

Business lawyer

J. Allen Smith headshot
J. Smith

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  1.1 (Extreme Caution)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2018.

Suspension issued in TX, 2018

updated on 04/25/2018

Suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Suspension issued in TX, 2017

updated on 02/21/2017

Suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Public Reprimand issued in TX, 2016

updated on 09/20/2016

Public reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Partially Probated Suspension issued in TX, 2015

updated on 02/15/2016

Partially Probated Suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. When the attorney returns to practice, he or she will be on probation, meaning the State monitors the attorney's activities for a period of time in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Partially Probated Suspension issued in TX, 1996

updated on 03/15/2019

Partially Probated Suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. When the attorney returns to practice, he or she will be on probation, meaning the State monitors the attorney's activities for a period of time in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Fully Probated Suspension issued in TX, 1994

updated on 03/15/2019

Fully probated suspension means an attorney is technically suspended but may still practice law. The State monitors the lawyer's activities during the suspension to make sure that he or she does not repeat the behavior.

Fully Probated Suspension issued in TX, 1994

updated on 03/15/2019

Fully probated suspension means an attorney is technically suspended but may still practice law. The State monitors the lawyer's activities during the suspension to make sure that he or she does not repeat the behavior.

Partially Probated Suspension issued in TX, 1994

updated on 03/15/2019

Partially Probated Suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. When the attorney returns to practice, he or she will be on probation, meaning the State monitors the attorney's activities for a period of time in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Suspension issued in TX, 1994

updated on 03/15/2019

Suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Partially Probated Suspension issued in TX, 1992

updated on 03/15/2019

Partially Probated Suspension means an attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. When the attorney returns to practice, he or she will be on probation, meaning the State monitors the attorney's activities for a period of time in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Fully Probated Suspension issued in TX, 1992

updated on 03/15/2019

Fully probated suspension means an attorney is technically suspended but may still practice law. The State monitors the lawyer's activities during the suspension to make sure that he or she does not repeat the behavior.

Public Reprimand issued in TX, 1992

updated on 03/15/2019

Public reprimand means an attorney did something wrong but may still practice law. The State gives the lawyer a public reprimand in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior. Details of the infraction are made part of the public record.

Honors

2012

Qualified Member each year since 2000, Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas

2012

Member, The College of the State Bar of Texas

2012

Litigator of the Week, Texas Lawyer Magazine

2011

Member, Pro Bono College of the State Bar of Texas

2011

Member, The College of the State Bar of Texas

2007

10 Years of Distinguished service, Texas Lawyers Assistance Program

2007

Eisenhower Commission for Distinguished Life Member, Republican National Committee

2006

National Leadership Award, National Republican Congressional Committee

2002

Certificate of Appreciation, Texas Bar CLE- Seminar: Managing the Unmanageable

1998

Community Forum, Dallas Bar Association

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Managing Attorney, The Eaton Law Firm, PLLC

2002 - 2006

Managing Attorney, Eaton, Deaguero & Bishop, PLLC

1998 - 2002

Partner, Eaton & Kemp, P.C.

1995 - 1998

Attorney, Law Offices of Norman L. 'Happy" Nelson, Jr.

1988 - 1998

Principal, Law Offices of Michael W. Eaton

1987 - 1988

Managing Texas Attorney, Hall & Vance LLP

1985 - 1987

Associate, Page & Addison, P.C.

1984 - 1985

Asst. General Counsel, Kirby Oil company

Associations

2013 - Present

AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL REGULATORY COHERENCE INSTITUTE

Founding Board Member

2006 - Present

Northeast Tarrant County Bar Association

Member

2000 - Present

National Association of Bond Lawyers

Member

2000 - Present

Federalist Society

Sustaining Member

1994 - Present

Texas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers

Member

1994 - Present

Dallas Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers

Past President (1999-2000)

1984 - Present

State Bar of Texas

Member

1982 - Present

Phi Alpha Delta

Member/former Officer

1978 - Present

Pi Sigma Alpha

Member

2011 - 2013

Women That SOAR

Advisory Board

2000 - 2014

National Republican Lawyers Association

Member

1997 - 2002

Ancient Order of Hibernians

President

Sample of Legal Cases

Tremendous Victory for Affordable Housing

Unanimous Plaintiff's Verdict

Gill-Massar, et al. v. Dallas County, Texas,

Seminal Judicial Power Case

American Heritage Apartments, Inc. v. Bowie County Appraisal District

Law Made in a Loss

Gulistan Carpet, Inc. v. Porter

WIn against corporate giant

Gray & Co. Realtors v. Atlantic Housing Foundation, Inc.

Upheld Contract Principles

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

Ludwig von Mises University

Ceritificate from Ludwig von Mises Institute

1984

Southern Methodist

JD - Juris Doctor

1980

Southern Methodist University

BS - Bachelor of Science

N/A

University of Texas System, Dallas

ABD- attended 1994-1998

Speaking Engagements

2014

William "Mac" Taylor Inn of Court Dinner

The Impaired Lawyer

2014

Ethics Fest

Ethical Concerns of the Impaired Lawyer

2014

Advanced Civil Trial Law Conference Ethical Concerns of the Impaired Lawyer

2013

Justice James Baker Guide to the Basics

Attorney Impairment - Are You Impaired?

2013

Justice James A. Baker Guide to the Basics

Career Killers

2012

State Bar of Texas Annual Meeting 2012

Attorney Impairment and Why You Should Care

2012

South Texas College of Law

Career Killers

2012

Justice James Baker Guide to the Basics

Career Killers

2012

Justice James Baker Guide to the Basics

Career Killers

2012

Justice James Baker Guide to the Basics

Career Killers

2012

Justice James Baker Guide to the Basics

Career Killers

2012

Center for Students in Recovery

Alcoholism and Recovery

2012

Bishop Lynch Career Day

Opportunities in the Legal Profession

2011

The Ethics Course

The Ethical Implications of Mental Health Issues

2011

The Ethics Course

The Ethical Implications of Mental Health Issues

2011

Justice James Baker Guide to the Basics

Career Killers

2011

Justice James Baker Guide to the Basics

Career Killers

2011

Justice James Baker Guide to the Basics

Career Killers

2011

Justice James Baker Guide to the Basics Career Killers

2010

The Ethics Course

The Ethics of Mental Health

2010

The Ethics Course The Ethics of Mental Health

2010

Texas Bar CLE-Business Torts Conference

Practicing Law and Wellness in the 21st Century

2010

Justice James Baker Guide to the Basics

Career Killers

2010

Guide to the Basics - Spring 2010

Career Killers

2010

Career Day

Opportunities in the Legal Profession

2010

Advanced Tax Law Course Practicing Law and Wellness

Publications

2014

Texas Bar Journal Do The Right Thing

2012

Tax Developments in Affordable Housing The Current State of 11.182 Exemptions in Bexar County

2012

The Eaton Law Firm PLLC Law Summaries The REAL Meaning of the AHF Arbors Case

2005

Southwest Tax Credit and Bond Current Tax Topics Pitfalls and Advantages of Nonprofit Participation in LIHTC

2004

NTRBN Changes in the Texas Tax Code- How They Affect Multi-Family Housing

2003

City of Dallas Housing Panel Publication Tax Exempt Bond Financing for Nonprofits

1996

Jurimetrics Expert Witnesses in the Courtroom-Determinants of Credibility

1995

Jurimetrics Expert Witnesses in the Courtroom-Determinants of Credibility, A Literature Review

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2018
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution